Turn a Gray Day Into a Fun Day While Learning

“Rain, rain go away; come again another day,” we all sang as kids, and the sentiment is the same for all youngsters who can’t go outside when the weather’s turned against them. You can even see the frustration in their eyes as they stare out the window and watch the day’s promise of fun in the sun disappear as drops of water fall from the sky.

There’s no reason to let your precious time with the kids go to waste, as there are more than enough activities to enjoy indoors with just a little bit of imagination. In fact, you hardly even need that if you’ve got access to the internet to fill in the gaps.

There’s plenty to do offline and online to put a smile on their face as they learn something new, including music, art, exercise and even science activities. Here are a few ideas that make rainy days an educational opportunity rather than a source of boredom.

Hit the Laboratory

Renowned astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson believes that kids are natural-born scientists, citing their innate curiosity and impetus to explore. That can be done in your own kitchen if you’re willing to turn it into an impromptu laboratory, where the little ones can perform a few chemistry experiments that teach them how a few common household productsinteract, like milk and dish soap.

Draw Some Pictures

Doodling comes as naturally to kids as running around in the grass. Harness this creative energy to refine their motor skills and give them a boost of confidence, which is what art does. Animals, monsters and superheroes: You’ll find easy-to-follow instructionsonline for drawing all that and much more.

Play Some Tunes

If your kid plays an instrument, now’s a great time for a little jam session. If not, then introduce them to the wonderful sounds available to their young ears. Chances are you’ve got the right stuffright in your collection, whether it’s Elvis Presley, the Beatles or some old school jazz. Let them hear a variety of instruments to see what captures their imagination.

Tell Stories Together

Impromptu storytelling as a familyis a great way for them to build on their growing vocabulary while taking their first tentative steps into public speaking. Fill a bowl with some story promptswritten on bits of paper along the lines of, “Once upon a time, there was a purple dragon,” then take off from there. You’ll be amazed where things can go, and how much fun it is for everyone.

Whip Up a Snack

Some folks think kids and kitchens don’t mix. They’re wrong. Introduce your little one to the art of cooking, as it’s an essential life skill. Keep it simple and apply a few rules so nobody cuts their fingers. That means placing a step by the counter so they’re at the right height for chopping. If you’re lacking recipes, here are a fewfrom Delish that’ll have your mouth watering.

Get Some Exercise

YouTube itself has the goods for keeping it fun. Just enter the search term “kids exercise videos,” and have a look at what’s offered — dozens upon dozens of activities. Go through them together with your little one, and find something you’ll both enjoy. That shouldn’t be too hard with aerobics, dance and yoga to choose from.

Learn a Language

It’ll boost your youngster’s cognitive functioning while making it much easier to acquire foreign language skills — and even the right accent! — now and in the future. They’ll be keen if you let them choose which language they want to learn, and you’ll find plenty of options at sites like Duolingo.

Have a Scavenger Hunt

It’s just as much fun to search for treasure inside as it is outside, especially if you transform the boring old clues into riddlesthat’ll get their wheels turning. Their feet will follow suit as they look for all the right objects, but stay active yourself so they don’t turn the house upside down.

Before long, you’ll realize that rain is no threat to a good time, or an educational one at that. Make the best of it, because the little ones grow up so quickly.